A frequentist interpretation of probability for model-based inductive inference.

The main objective of the paper is to propose a frequentist interpretation of probability in the context of model-based induction, anchored on the Strong Law of Large Numbers (SLLN) and justifiable on empirical grounds. It is argued that the prevailing views in philosophy of science concerning induc...

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Publicado en:Synthese Vol. 190; no. 9; pp. 1555 - 1586
Autor principal: Spanos, Aris
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Springer Nature Jun2013
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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        atl: A frequentist interpretation of probability for model-based inductive inference.
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        au: Spanos, Aris
        affil: Department of Economics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg 24061 USA
      su:
        Frequentist statistics
        Probability theory
        Inductive interference
        Induction (Logic)
        Law of large numbers
        Underdetermination (Theory of knowledge)
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          Frequentist statistics
          Probability theory
          Inductive interference
          Induction (Logic)
          Law of large numbers
          Underdetermination (Theory of knowledge)
      keyword:
        Circularity
        Duhem-Quine problem
        Error statistics
        Frequentist interpretation of probability
        Long-run metaphor
        Model-based induction
        Post-data severity evaluation
        Random samples
        Randomness
        Single event probability
        Strong law of large numbers
      ab: The main objective of the paper is to propose a frequentist interpretation of probability in the context of model-based induction, anchored on the Strong Law of Large Numbers (SLLN) and justifiable on empirical grounds. It is argued that the prevailing views in philosophy of science concerning induction and the frequentist interpretation of probability are unduly influenced by enumerative induction, and the von Mises rendering, both of which are at odds with frequentist model-based induction that dominates current practice. The differences between the two perspectives are brought out with a view to defend the model-based frequentist interpretation of probability against certain well-known charges, including [i] the circularity of its definition, [ii] its inability to assign 'single event' probabilities, and [iii] its reliance on 'random samples'. It is argued that charges [i]-[ii] stem from misidentifying the frequentist 'long-run' with the von Mises collective. In contrast, the defining characteristic of the long-run metaphor associated with model-based induction is neither its temporal nor its physical dimension, but its repeatability (in principle); an attribute that renders it operational in practice. It is also argued that the notion of a statistical model can easily accommodate non-IID samples, rendering charge [iii] simply misinformed.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Article
      src: R
    language: English
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